Bridgeport best bets: What to do in and around Bridgeport this weekend

Published 11:21 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2013

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Jeff Tweedy of Wilco performs during the 2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 14, 2013, in Manchester, Tennessee. The members of Wilco, Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham are set to make a stop in Connecticut at Bridgeport's Webster Bank Arena on Friday, July 19, 2013, as part of this summer's Americanarama Festival of Music. (Photo by Gary Miller/WireImage) less

Jeff Tweedy of Wilco performs during the 2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on June 14, 2013, in Manchester, Tennessee. The members of Wilco, Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham are set to make a ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

Bridgeport best bets: What to do in and around Bridgeport this weekend

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Entertainment and adventures await in and around Bridgeport. Here are some of the best bets for the weekend and week ahead.

Arena Americana

Bob Dylan, Wilco, My Morning Jacket and Ryan Bingham will be in Bridgeport Friday as part of the Americanarama Festival of Music. The musicians were set to perform at Harbor Yard, but it was announced last week that the concert was moving to the Webster Bank Arena. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m., but doors open an hour earlier if you want to stake your claim. All seats are general admission.

Sheffield swashbucklers

Find a jolly good time at Pirate Weekend at Sheffield Island off Norwalk's shore. The Norwalk Seaport Association, which owns and maintains Sheffield Island Lighthouse, will welcome pirate re-enactors Saturday and Sunday to entertain visitors with sword fighting, sea chanteys and storytelling. Don't worry about parting with any gold on the island, though, as the entertainment is free. The adventure does require a ferry trip, for which tickets are necessary. ($22 adults, $12 (ages 4 to 12), $5 for 3 and younger.) The ferry leaves 11 a.m., 2 and 3:30 p.m. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.seaport.org.

Bound to discover something good

With 50 categories and more than 80,000 items, visitors to Westport Library's 21st annual Summer Book Sale should find something to take home with them. Among special offerings are a rare 1610 Catholic German bible, a signed Andy Warhol title "Exposures," and a signed copy of former American Poet Laureate Billy Collins' "Video Games." Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Saturday to Monday. Tuesday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book prices are discounted each day, until Monday when all items are free (though a $5 a bag donation is appreciated). For more information, visit http://www.westportlibrary.org.

Fine arts festival

Once you have stocked up on books (and more), wander over to Westport's Parker Harding Plaza and Gorham Island, where the Westport Downtown Merchants Association will celebrate the 40th Fine Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Meander along the Saugatuck River and view the works of about 140 artists, as you listen to music and watch street performances. There will be a children's tent, "The Whimsical World of WAC," compliments of the Westport Arts Center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit http://www.westportDMA.com.

Free yourself of some time to check out 16 DJ's, a drumming clinic, a bounce house, balloon release and a flash mob session at the first Freedom Community Festival Sunday in downtown Bridgeport on McLevy Green. Organizers hope many visitors come to this free event, which runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is as much about fun as it is bringing an awareness of the services in the area, as well as a desire to create unity among all residents. The event was created by Bridgeport native Keith Jackson, who is known as DJ Kool Keith. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/DJKoolKeith.

The blues, in waves

If you like the blues and the beach, then Stratford should be on your weekend itinerary on Saturday. The Blues on the Beach music festival, which will run 2 to 9 p.m. at Short Beach Park, will feature Pimpinella, Evan Goodrow Band, Quincy Mumford & Reason Why, Twice Around, Off the Grid, Primetime and Chris D'Amato Band. Visitors welcome to bring chairs and enjoy the music. For more information, visit http://www.townofstratford.com and click Calendars.